Ozzy Osbourne ‘In Heavy Training’ For Black Sabbath Reunion And Farewell Show: ‘I’m Waking Up In My Body’

Ozzy Osbourne is undergoing intensive training as he prepares for what is being billed as his final concert performance, the “Back To The Beginning” show in Birmingham, UK, this July. Speaking on the latest episode of his SiriusXM show “Ozzy Speaks“, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman shared updates on his health and the demanding process of getting stage-ready after years away.

The concert, set for July 5th, marks a monumental occasion: the first reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup – Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – in two decades. It will also feature a host of iconic metal bands paying tribute. For Ozzy, 76, who hasn’t performed a full concert since late 2018 due to significant health issues, the preparation is formidable.

“I’m in heavy training for this [‘Back To The Beginning‘ concert…],” Ozzy stated (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “I haven’t done anything for — this will be seven years [since I played a full concert], and so I’ve been through all this surgery. It really is like starting from scratch.”

Detailing his regimen, Ozzy explained it focuses on rebuilding stamina lost during his long recovery from multiple surgeries and managing Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2003 and publicly revealed in 2020. “Well, it’s endurance training,” he said. “The first thing to go when you’re laid up is your stamina, so believe it or not, I’m doing two sets of three-minute walks a day and weight training. I’ve gotta get going, you know.” He emphasized the challenge: “I’m waking up in my body. I mean, three minutes to you… is nothing, but I’ve been laying on my back recovering from umpteen surgeries.”

Despite mobility issues confirmed by both Ozzy and his wife Sharon – “I have to balance myself,” Ozzy admitted – he maintains a fighting spirit. “I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things.” He reflected on his condition, saying: “I have made it to 2025. I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive.” Sharon Osbourne noted that while Parkinson’s has affected his legs, Ozzy‘s iconic voice remains strong: “His voice is as good as it’s ever been.”

Regarding his role in the Black Sabbath reunion portion of the show, Ozzy clarified his intentions: “I’m not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath but I am doing little bits and pieces with them. I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable.”

Sharon Osbourne has described the Villa Park event as Ozzy‘s definitive farewell to live performing. “Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s no been no full stop,” she explained. “This is his full stop.” Despite the challenges, she added that Ozzy is highly motivated for the show: “He’s doing great… He’s so excited about this, about being with the guys again… It’s stimulated him… He’s very, very excited and very thankful that he can do it.”

The concert, with proceeds benefiting charities including Cure Parkinson’s, serves as a poignant final chapter for the Prince of Darkness, who is pushing through considerable adversity to take the stage one last time.